Thailand.

October 17, 2018

Thailand.

My YWAM experience supposedly ended about two months ago, but strangely I feel like it didn't. At least not completely. Sure, I'm not gallivanting around Thailand any longer or walking through the woods in Montana, hoping I don't get eaten by a grizzly. Its true that I don't spend my evenings walking to the lake with all of my buddies or searching for a specific street vendor because I like the way he makes avocado smoothies the best. And I no longer play basketball each night or stay up late talking with my roommates about everything from crushes to sugar cravings to our deepest fears. But I do have an imprint.

The experience changed me. Grew me a little. Opened me up and stretched me out. I saw the world through a different lens. Not the lens of my school. Or family. Or church. I wasn't able to fit any of those things into my hikers backpack or carry-on. All that I could really manage to bring was myself.

And each person on my team brought themselves too.

I LOVE the people who went with me to Thailand. I am so thankful that they were the ones God chose to be on our team. They were always there to share a laugh with. They spoke truth. And they always had compassion. I miss you all and think of you so often!

Moments after this Jewel (the one snapping a pick) traded places with the man

and rode on the elephants head!

Our time in Thailand was beautiful and messy.

As funny as it sounds, I loved the moments when it was hard the most. It was in those moments that Jesus showed up...

{S T O R Y T I M E}

One day we rode a Sungtow (which is basically a truck with some tin covering three benches that have been bolted into the bed) way up into a mountain village. It was some of the most beautiful scenery that I have ever seen, but I felt terrible. I had spent the previous afternoon and night hidden away in my hotel room sick. I was not sure if I was going to be able to teach English that day, let alone preform an energetic skit. On our ride up the winding hills one of the girls on my team got motion sick. The rickety mobile stopped and we watched from a distance while she threw up in the bushes. To make matters worse, we were informed that the water in the village was contaminated and that we would not be able to eat the food there. Meaning that lunch was not an option for us. But luckily, I had brought a full bottle of water for my dehydrated self, so I figured that I would be okay. But when we arrived, I accidentally spilled three quarters of that water on the ground. Perfect. Just, Perfect.

That day was hard. Really and truly hard. But Jesus gave me strength. He gave me strength when a team member would smile at me. Or when the kids would get excited about a game we were playing. He gave me strength by being close by. It was enough. He was enough. I may have physically felt shaky and weak and my thoughts might have been clouded, but I was strong. Because He said so.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9a

The time finally came around for the skit. It required a lot of emotion from me as I played the part of a girl who was being attacked by the 'things the of the world' (its okay to laugh ;), I know its a little cheesy). She then is defended and saved by Jesus. That day, I was the one who was going to share the gospel after the skit. Oh Boy.

Luckily, God's words are true. Can I get a 'woot woot'? Because I did it and I didn't die! I just hope that they made even a small impact in those kiddos lives.

This is me sharing the gospel

I have PLENTY more stories- some are filled with good moments and some are filled with not so good moments. But I wouldn't have changed anything about the trip.

What made Thailand truly special was being able to share it with wonderful people.And I will never forget them. Ever.

So, Thank you

K.P- for having the world's best laugh

Jewel- for being a true friend

Maddie-for sharing your sweet heart with me

Mads-for pairing peace and evangelism together

Deb- for being my prayer warrior

Jonathan-for leading us with kindness and humility

Nala-for being so encouraging

Hannah-for sharing your wisdom

Tabby-for teaching me to dance in the rain (literally and figuratively (; )

Addi-for always making me feel safe

Luke-for having a kind and good heart (and for sharing your crickets with me)

Isa-for making the moments that should have been hard full of life and fun

Eli-for being so deep, loving, and FUN

Milk-for sharing your story with me

TangMo-for introducing me to Khao Soi and for being up for anything

This is Khoa Soi

The best thing that I have ever eaten

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for such a beautiful opportunity. You always showed up for us. Lord, continue to heal Thailand. Let the people there know of your love; of what you have done and are still doing. Bless each person that we came into contact with and let each little seed grow into something greater than any of us could've imagined. I pray for my team as we lead our individual lives. Thankyou for introducing us to each other and making the summer so special. Bless them and keep them safe. Remind them of your love tangibly. You are my everything. Thank you so much for your kindness and steadfastness Lord.

In Jesus' name,
Amen

<3 Ken

Here are some more pics...